PAW prints thought to belong to a large cat have been dismissed as a hoax.

The prints, thought to belong to a lynx, were found in snow on New Year's Eve at Billingham Bottoms, Billingham, Teesside.

However, David Laing, assistant warden at Billingham Beck Valley Park, has reassured nearby residents there is no need for alarm.

He said: "It is just my opinion, but looking at the photographs I think it is just a clumsy hoax.

"I don't think a big cat would find much to feed on here. There is no need for alarm."

Lynx, long-legged wild cats which were native to England before the Ice Age, can survive extremely well in northern climates.

They vary in colour from sandy to dark grey.

Their tails are very short compared with other wild cats, and their ears and cheeks are tufted, with black tips on their ears.

The prints were discovered by John Collett, 50, from New Road, Billingham, while out with his wife Maureen, walking their dogs.

The markings were about the size of the palm of a hand with what looked like four claw marks.